ABC Boss On 'Grey's Anatomy' Future Amid Budget Trim & Scheduling Move

Grey’s Anatomy already has cemented its place in the TV history books. Now it’s just about enhancing its legacy. But like every long-running series on broadcast, the hit medical drama also has to abide by the budget constraints imposed by parent media companies, which have been reigning in costs. As Deadline reported exclusively yesterday, Grey’s Anatomy has been asked to trim its budget for its upcoming 21st season, which will impact the cast.

Additionally, ABC this morning unveiled its fall schedule where Grey’s is shifting from 9 PM to 10 PM on Thursdays. Deadline asked Disney TV Group President Craig Erwich whether the moves signal a potential end game for the show.

“We just celebrated the 20th season of Grey’s, which makes it the longest running medical drama on television, and I think the show is creatively firing on all cylinders and continues to be extraordinarily popular — if not the most popular show in terms of past seasons,” he said. “We see new generations coming into the show on a monthly basis, so the show’s in great shape.”

On Grey‘s new time slot, Erwich noted that of the drama’s “very loyal audience,” “well over 80% watches the show on multiple platforms, not specifically live, so we think the move is going to be minimal, as well as it will provide an incredible lead into our local news at 11.”

But could the Thursday shift, along with the budget cut, indicate that Grey’s may be on its last legs, with Season 21 possibly being its final chapter?

“Not at all,” Erwich said, calling the scheduling move “a great opportunity for ABC to launch a new show, as well as to keep Grey’s on a night where it’s been extraordinarily successful for many years.”

As Deadline reported yesterday, Jake Borelli will be departing Grey’s Anatomy after seven years next season. Additionally, veteran cast members are expected to see a reduction of their episodic guarantees, which means that they may be in fewer Season 21 episodes.

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